When entering into healthcare and medical professions, certifications become a way of life, as most specialized positions require a degree or a specific certification. Being certified proves to employers and patients that you’ve had adequate training and hold essential knowledge to do your job confidently, competently, and safely.
One certification that you’re likely to hear about often is NHA certification. But what is it? What does it mean? And is the NHA certification accepted everywhere? Read on to learn more.
What Is the NHA?
NHA is the commonly used abbreviation for the National Healthcareer Association. Founded in 1989, the National Healthcareer Association is a respected national resource for training, as well as the certifying body for eight different healthcare industry certifications.
At ACT, our online medical assistant certification prepares students for a career as a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). Over the course of this 8-week program, you’ll go beyond foundational knowledge to learn the skills needed to excel in diverse healthcare settings like physicians’ offices, hospitals, and rural health clinics. You’ll learn basic human anatomy, principles of human disease, how to comply with healthcare regulations and laws regarding patient privacy, infection control, and more.
You’ll also learn the proper medical terminology necessary to successfully communicate in healthcare settings and master the hands-on elements of the job, like obtaining patient histories, collecting and handling laboratory specimens, taking and recording vital signs, and performing various diagnostic tests.
The program culminates with students sitting for the National Healthcareer Association certification exam in order to obtain nationally accredited certification as a CCMA.
Additionally, our pharmacy technician certification program consists of a 12-week, self-paced course of study that teaches future Pharmacy Technicians essential skills like processing prescription requests, ordering and stocking medications, providing information to patients, packaging and labeling prescriptions, and more.
This program ends with a chance to sit for exams for two nationally recognized accreditations. The first is the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PCTE), which is offered by a different certification entity, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB.) The second is the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT), which is offered by the NHA.
What Does an NHA Certification Mean?
NHA certification is a well-known and respected national credential that allows certified graduates to obtain their desired position anywhere in the United States. It does not matter where you obtained your certification or where you choose to live when you begin working. The certification travels with you and is valid from Coast to Coast.
Is NHA Certification Accepted Everywhere?
Yes and no. This is a nationally recognized certification in the United States, which means it will be recognized at any facility that offers the position you seek and are certified for.
We are often asked, “Is NHA certification accepted in Canada?” The short answer here is no. While completing your certification is impressive and would likely be appreciated by Canadian employers, it doesn’t qualify as a recognized certification outside of the United States. Canadian students are encouraged to become certified, though, especially if they have plans to work in the United States at any time.
However, while NHA certification isn’t valid in other countries, the certificate you’ll be issued from ACT after completing your program is. In Canada, an ACT certificate can help you obtain allied health positions in clinics, hospitals, and other medical settings.
Getting closer to your dream career in the medical field is only a click away. Enroll today to get started on your journey!
